SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 5, 2010 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in its ongoing efforts to promote diversity in utility company practices, will hold its annual public hearing to examine the diversity programs of the state's regulated utilities.

WHEN: October 12, 2010, 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

WHERE: Milton Marks Auditorium, 455 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco

WHAT: At its En Banc, "Challenging the Paradigm of Diverse Procurement", the CPUC will hear from the CEOs and Presidents of California's largest utilities about the state of their supplier diversity programs and activities to ensure inclusion of diverse suppliers in contract bidding.

Representatives of industry, government, academia, labor, community-based organizations, and other interested parties are expected to attend the hearing. Members of the public are invited to attend; a public comment session will be held. Although a quorum of Commissioners may be in attendance, no CPUC action will be taken at this event.

If you plan to attend and need specialized accommodations, please contact the Public Advisor's Office at least three business days in advance of the meeting at CPUC Public Advisor, 505 Van Ness Ave., Room 2103, San Francisco, CA 94102 or call 1-866-849-8390 or 1-415-703-2074; or email public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov.